DH collaborates with trade to combat tuberculosis (with photos)
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The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, today served as the officiating guest at the launch ceremony cum awards presentation for the World TB Day 2026, an event organised by the Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association and co-organised by the DH. In his speech, he said, "TB is an important infectious disease globally and in Hong Kong. Over the past decade, notified cases have ranged from 3 000 to 4 500 annually. Although there is a downward trend, the incidence rate is more than 10 times higher than that of other advanced economies. Approximate one out of 10 people infected with tubercle bacilli develop TB disease weeks or even decades later. Those with weaker immune systems are at greater risk. Over a lifetime, one out of every 20 persons in Hong Kong will develop TB. Everyone is at risk of being affected by TB. Hence, we must not take it lightly under any circumstances. The notification rate of TB in Hong Kong has declined from approximately 150 cases per 100 000 members of the population in the early 1980s to about 40 cases per 100 000 members of the population today, a reduction of over 70 per cent. Hong Kong is densely populated with high population mobility and an ageing population. Despite these challenges, Hong Kong's effective control of tuberculosis can be attributed to the close collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals in achieving 'early identification and early treatment', as well as their full co-operation with the directly observed treatment service proactively provided by the DH's chest clinics."
He also pointed out that smoking is a major risk factor for TB infection and recurrence. He urged the public to continue supporting the government's tobacco control measures. In addition to extending the statutory no-smoking areas, Hong Kong will implement a comprehensive ban on the possession of specified alternative smoking products (including e-liquids/capsules/heat sticks) in public places, introduce the duty stamp system, ban flavoured conventional smoking products, and introduce plain packaging requirements for conventional smoking products.
"The DH's Tuberculosis and Chest Service is responsible for monitoring and controlling TB, promoting universal Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunisation for newborns and raising public awareness about TB. The DH's chest clinics provide free TB screening and treatment to the public. The TB Laboratory under the Centre for Health Protection has been designated as the WHO's Supranational TB Reference Laboratory and provides advanced support for Mycobacterium tuberculosis testing, including rapid molecular testing and whole-genome sequencing for drug susceptibility testing," Dr Lam added.
To raise public awareness, the DH disseminates TB-related information on the internet and social media platforms. It also collaborates with the Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association and the Hospital Authority to organise a series of health education talks. These initiatives remind the public of the importance of remaining vigilant, seeking timely diagnosis and treatment for TB, and introducing preventive measures, all of which are aimed at achieving the goal of eliminating TB.
Early identification of TB cases and the prompt initiation of anti-TB treatment remain the mainstay of TB control. The DH's chest clinics provide free outpatient consultations and treatment for TB patients. TB treatment involves a prescription of multiple medications which normally lasts for six months. TB patients must strictly comply with the treatment regimen to minimise the emergence of drug-resistant TB.
TB is an airborne disease. When a TB patient coughs or sneezes, small droplets containing the tubercle bacilli are generated and spread in the air. If others inhale these small airborne droplets, they may become infected. However, prolonged exposure is usually the prerequisite for the disease to be effectively transmitted. Members of the public should be vigilant against TB and adopt a healthy lifestyle involving a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, exercising and getting adequate rest in order to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. If they develop symptoms, such as persistent cough, blood in sputum, weight loss, fever and night sweating, they should seek prompt medical advice. If they are diagnosed as having TB disease, patients should strengthen their respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, and receive TB treatment under the doctor's advice.
For more TB-related information, services and figures, the public may also visit the website of the DH's Tuberculosis and Chest Service (www.info.gov.hk/tb_chest).
Ends/Saturday, March 14, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:57
Issued at HKT 16:57
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